Cleaning Car

Johnny Derpp

Got a new car and I really want to look after it and keep it in good nick etc.
I used to take my old car to the car wash often enough but I was warned not to do that because it apparently wrecks your paint work?

So I'm going to do it myself but the truth be told I haven't a clue what I'm at. I'm not trolling btw, I genuinely don't know how it's done....I mean, do I need a special type of cleaning gear? Or can I do it with just hot soapy water?
Is there anything in particular that I should avoid incase it damages the paint work?

Should I be concerned about rust etc...

I appreciate this may make me look like a spa, but I have to learn somehow

cycocycle

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/

Plenty of info here. You can really take it to extremes if you want to.
Meguiars website has some good info and tips as well as video tutorials on using their products. Their stuff is readily available from most car accessory shops. I use it on the bike and it does a decent job.

BUBBLE WRAP

Don't use fairy liquid as it has a lot of salt in it, which is very bad for the paintwork.

randy hickey

The automatic brushwash, the self-service brushwash, and washing with a sponge will all put swirl marks on your car's paintwork.
To avoid this damage to your paint, there is some basic kit you're going to have to invest in.

1. A couple of microfibre mitts.These trap dirt particles up in the microfibres so that they are not being scraped across your paintwork like a sponge would.




2. Two buckets and at least one grit guard.Look up the Two Bucket Method- loads of info here or on Detailing World.



3. Some de-tarring agent to get rid of tiny tar spots that our paintwork collects.Autosmart's Tardis is the most popular.



4. A good shampoo - preferably one that doesn't contain wax.

5.A good microfibre drying towel. You've got to dry your car before waxing/sealing, and this is the best way. Also stops water spot etching.



6.A decent wax or sealant.


Or



Obviously your going to need a hose at the very least, though a pressure washer will come in handy the more involved you get(e.g. with snow foam prewashing).

There are endless brands and even more products to chose from - how far you want to go is up to you and your budget.
If you pick up the phone and talk to our own Curran who runs Detailingshed.ie, he'll give you advice on best products,methods etc.

HTH.

Curran

Firstly, can I ask, is the car brand new or new to you?

There'll be slightly different approaches to each!

Johnny Derpp

Holy heart, maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew here.

Curran wrote: »

Firstly, can I ask, is the car brand new or new to you?

There'll be slightly different approaches to each!

It's new to me. 07. But looked great when I bought it and want to keep it looking great.

senordingdong

Yeah don't take it through the car wash.

Maybe take it to one of those valet services you see in the multi story car parks instead.

hoodie6029

Meguiars how to

This should get you started

Curran

Johnny Derpp wrote: »

Holy heart, maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew here.

It's new to me. 07. But looked great when I bought it and want to keep it looking great.

It sounds like you are a bit overwhelmed

So you are happy how it looks now....then to keep it how it looks now, you need a few things...

• Two Buckets
• A good wash mitt
• A good drying towel
• pH neutral Shampoo
• Protection

Those few things will get you started and will mean that you wont do any serious damage going forward.

Should you want to take it a step further, then you'd want to be looking into....

• De-Tar
• De-Ironise
• Clay

Doing the above steps will make sure that the paintwork is fully cleansed. Regular washing will not remove tar that is on the paint, iron that is in the paint (from various sources, mainly hot particles from your brakes) and clay will remove any of the remaining bonded contaminants in the paint work. I would rate claying as good as polishing, for a large step in improving the appearance of the car, viewed from a few yards....up close obviously the swirls will remain, but the visual impact it makes, for such a simple step, is up there with polishing. I said that to someone on here recently and they came back raving about how I was right! Also, after doing the above steps, the paintwork is properly prepared for protection...either wax or sealant. This will mean better durability and appearance.

Going on from there, you have polishing, either by hand or machine. Hand polishes will contain fillers to help hide defects but after time they will wash away and back to square one. Machine polishing corrects the paint by taking a thin layer of the clear coat away, leaving a fresh ultra smooth finish.

For now though, I recommend you start with the basics in the first list, and perhaps a soft wax for protection - it will be easy on, easy off, and will need regular topping up, but will keep the car looking well and protected. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax would be something Id recommend if going this route. Other options would be a spray on gloss enhancer / protection type product. Wash the car, dry it and then use this product to spray on, buff off, to give a nice deep shine and enough protection to see you through to your next wash. Products Id recommend here would be Chemical Guys "Blitz", "Speed Wipe", "V7" (less protection, Orchard Autocare "Perfection" or Dodo Juice "Red Mist"...most will have enough durability to see you through to a was every 2nd week...V7 might only do a week, Perfection got me about 4 weeks during the winter while I was testing it!

Hope this helps! Any other questions....just shout!

myshirt

Hope pop doesn't mind me jumping in... some great advice here.

Can I ask just on microfibre towels.. I am starting to see that there are in fact different types of microfibre towels now! What towel for what stage?

What do people think of these for a fiver http://www.homestoreandmore.ie/cloths/jumbo-multi-use-microfibre-cloths-12-pack/invt/050274
I have bought two packs of these. 24 towels should get me through the process shouldn't it...

And how do you wash microfibre towels? Mine got filthy and I soaked them in boiling hot water, and stain remover. Bad move, ruined them.

I live and learn.

Curran

They have been discussed before.

My opinion is....
that they are a good work towel, for doing door jamb, windows, interiors, perhaps wheels or even buffing tyre dressing if you dont like the shiny finish of some dressings.

I personally wouldn't use them on paint work. They will cause very microscopic scratches, which with regular use, will dull the finish. Keeping your car looking its best is all about minimising the potential damage. Waxing the car will hide these minor defects, but everything adds up to overall make a difference!

The most important things in keeping the paint work in great condition is spending money in things that are used most....so a good quality wash mitt, microfiber drying towel and if using a quick detailer or top-up protection type product the a good microfiber buffing cloth.